DUBAI, November 14. /TASS/. Russia signed contracts totally worth over $4.5 bln with African countries in 2023, Chief Executive Officer of Russia’s state arms export agency Rosoboronexport Alexander Mikheev told TASS at the Dubai Airshow 2023.

"African countries are developing their economy <…>, being important and reliable partners for Rosoboronexport. In 2023 only, contracts worth more than $4.5 bln were signed with countries of the continent, and we plan to reach new agreements by the end of the year," he said.

Mikheev told TASS earlier that Russia’s arms exporter would continue developing partnership with African countries within the framework of the Dubai Airshow through lines of cooperation drafted at the Russia-Africa summit that was held on July 27-28 in St. Petersburg.

The Dubai Airshow is one of the world’s largest aerospace exhibitions, held biannually. Russia has been a participant in the Dubai Airshow since 1993. This year, 20 national pavilions at the Dubai Airshow will showcase over 180 aircraft made by more than 1,400 manufacturers. The Dubai Airshow 2023 is running from November 13 through 17.